Evaluation of fatal dog bites: the view of the medical examiner and animal behaviorist.

The multidisciplinary evaluation of fatal dog bites in the context of a case is discussed. This approach emphasizes detailed examination of the animals including matching of bite marks, autopsy, and canine behavioral analysis. It further provides details such as contributory medical conditions, past animal behavior and physical evidence linking the dogs to the attack. Such information is important in the legal proceedings that usually accompany these events.